upbeat magazine - summer 2014: aberdeen international airport
DESCRIPTION
The official publication of Aberdeen International Airport.TRANSCRIPT
SOAK UP THE SUMMER
WIN TWO RETURN TICKETS WITH VIRGIN WORLDWIDE!
UPBEAT CHATS TO ABERDEEN FOOTBALL CLUB’S DEREK MCINNES
AROUND ABERDEENSHIRE – IN A DAY!
2
As regular clients of Raemoir we have found it to be one of the very few places in the North-east able to provide an exclusive venue opportunity at the same time offering a genuine Country House setting and experience. It’s hard to beat the seclusion, privacy and indulgence. - GH, Aberdeen
RAEMOIR HOUSE HOTELBanchory, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB31 4ED | +44 (0)1330 824884 | [email protected]
www.raemoir.com
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CONTENTS
Type the following to access key parts of our website, www.aberdeenairport.com/...
AIRPORT CONTACTS /contact
AIRPORT GUIDE /airportinformation
AIRPORT JOBS /jobs
AIRPORT MASTER PLAN /masterplan
BOOK CAR PARKING /parking
BOOK FLIGHTS & HOTELS /travel
CHECK-IN INFORMATION /checkin
COMPETITIONS /competitions
CURRENCY /currency
CUSTOMER CHARTER /charter
DESTINATIONS & AIRLINES /destinations
FEEDBACK /feedback
FLIGHT TIMETABLES /timetables
LIVE FLIGHT INFORMATION /flightinfo
REGISTER FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
/ newsletter
SECURITY INFORMATION /security
SHOPPING /shopping
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE /assist
TERMINAL AND CAR PARK MAPS /maps
DIRECTOR
Gill Buyers - [email protected]
EDITORIAL
Judy Mackie - [email protected]
ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION
Clare Findlay - [email protected]
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Jill Walker - [email protected]
DESIGN
Ryan Swinney - [email protected]
Lisa Thompson - [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD
192 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6DA
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 596223
www.trendmagazine.co.uk
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. Trend cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions of contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. upBEAT magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. All information correct at time of going to print (June 2014). Cover: GpointStudio / Thinkstock.
TEL: +44 (0) 844 481 6666
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: www.aberdeenairport.com
TEXT: 80800 (start message with 'Airport',
texts are FREE)
TWITTER: Follow us, @ABZ_Airport
FACEBOOK: Search 'Aberdeen Airport'
INSTAGRAM: Follow us, @aiairport
LINKEDIN: Search 'Aberdeen International
Airport'
PRINT Stephens & George Print Group
CONTACTS
HELPFUL LINKS
P20 - 22 P44 - 45
> EXPLORING LEEDS > SUMMER DESTINATIONS
P6 - P8 Airport News
P9 - P11 Meet the Locals -
Wild Dolphins!
P12 - P13 Reviews - Fun and
Foodie Favourites
P16 - P17 Summer Homecoming
P18 - P19 Head for the Hills!
P20 - P22 Lively Leeds
P23 Competition - Win a Luxury
Global Experience with Virgin
P26 - P27 Connecting You to the
World - Long-haul Destinations
P28 Plane Talking - Confessions of a
Frequent Flyer
P29 Words Worth Reading
P36 - P37 Golden Golf - All Set
for the Scottish Open
P40 - P41 Around Aberdeenshire -
in a Day!
P42 - P43 What’s On?
P44 - P45 Soak Up the Summer
P46 - P47 Behind the Scenes -
National Air Traffic Services
P48 - P50 Perspective - Derek
McInnes on the Dons
P52 Unwind in Oslo
P54 - P55 Business Travel Focus
P58 Competition - The Beat
Goes On!
P60 - P61 Diary Pages
to this sizzling summer edition of upBEAT, the passenger magazine for Aberdeen International Airport.
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WELCOME
Following a strong start to the year, we plan to continue
the momentum throughout 2014, while maintaining
our Customer Charter commitments. You can catch up
with the latest Airport news inside, including the next
steps in our terminal expansion plans; our fundraising
activities with our charity partner, Friends of ANCHOR,
and details of how we plan to mark our upcoming
80th birthday.
Whether you’re a visitor to the North-East or
a local resident, upBEAT helps you find a wealth of
exciting opportunities to have fun, explore the area,
immerse yourself in local culture and experience
all the diverse family-friendly activities that
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have to offer during
this Year of Homecoming.
We highlight the many delights city breaks in Leeds
and Oslo have to offer the leisure visitor - and you’re
invited to ‘soak up the summer’ in some of the many
popular sunshine destinations available direct from
Aberdeen.
There’s also a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into
our National Air Traffic Service Unit; a focus on the
changing face of business travel, and we catch up with
a very upbeat Aberdeen Football Club Manager Derek
McInnes, following a highly-successful season!
Enjoy your summer, and we hope to welcome you to
our ever-improving Airport again very soon.
CAROL BENZIE, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport
BY BUS Regular bus services operate
to the Airport from Aberdeen City Centre.
The JET 727 bus runs from Union Square, right by the
bus and train stations, making only four stops en route to
the Airport. Services are less frequent at the weekends.
Details at www.stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0) 1224
597590. First Aberdeen also runs a weekday only service
number 27 from Union Square. Details can be found at
www.firstgroup.com or call +44 (0) 870 200 22 33.
BY TRAIN Aberdeen and Inverness
services stop at the local station at Dyce
which is just a short taxi or bus ride from the Airport.
Bus number 80, operated by Stagecoach, runs
from Dyce Station (Mon-Fri only). Details at
www.stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0) 1224 597590.
The mainline station is in Aberdeen City Centre where
there are frequent services to all parts of Scotland. For
further information, please visit:
www.travelinescotland.com
BY CAR The access road to the Airport
is signposted from the A96 Aberdeen to
Inverness road. The Airport is seven miles from Aberdeen
City Centre. The main car park is located at the front of
the terminal building for short-stay parking. If you are
using a satellite navigation system, the Airport postcode
is AB21 7DU.
BY BICYCLE Aberdeen
International Airport is a relatively easy
airport to get to by bike. There is a high quality off-road
cycle route from the A947 (Dyce) roundabout onwards.
If travelling for a short break an option may be to leave
your bicycle in the modern, covered cycle stand at
the Airport.
GETTING TO ABERDEENINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT NEWS
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The first will thank staff for their hard work
in recent years and allow them to take
stock of how far the Airport has come in
80 years. Then, on 28 July, the team will
be joined by a fellow octogenarian who
is also celebrating his birthday on that
day, and who will receive VIP treatment
with some of his nearest and dearest.
Finally, an event will be held at the Scottish
Parliament, to mark the anniversary among
the Airport’s key stakeholders.
Sarah Rochester, who has been organising
the events, says: “We are pleased to be
able to have a programme which allows
everyone to celebrate our birthday. We
want to do something to mark this in full
view of the passengers, while holding an
event for our staff and another for our key
stakeholders. There is so much happening,
as our terminal redevelopment plans get
off the ground, that it feels like an exciting
time to be marking a special anniversary.”
If you’re flying from Aberdeen on 28 July,
keep your eyes peeled for birthday cake!
On 28 July 1934, Dyce Airport was officially opened. This summer, 80 years on, Aberdeen International Airport is holding a number of events to mark the occasion.
John Deffenbaugh has joined the Airport senior team in the new role of Head of Terminal Redevelopment.
John, who previously worked extensively on the
commercial development of T2, The Queen’s Terminal,
at Heathrow, brings a wealth of major capital projects
experience.
“I am delighted to be joining the Airport team at such an
exciting time,” he says. “This is an opportunity to help shape the
terminal redevelopment and create the space that we know
our customers are seeking.”
AIRPORT NEWS
7
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP
For the best deals, book your car parking
online: www.aberdeenairport.com/parking
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR TRIP
> Order your currency online for easy
collection when you get to the airport:
www.aberdeenairport.com/currency
> Check all your travel documents and ensure
your passport is current, that you have a visa
(if required) and that you have noted the flight
times on your tickets.
THE DAY BEFORE YOU FLY
Check the weight of your suitcase and prep
your cabin bag. Decant any liquids, gels, etc
into a small plastic bag.
THE DAY YOU FLY
> Allow plenty of time to get to the airport,
to check-in and clear through security.
> Remember to check the rules on sharps!
> Dispose of liquids above 100ml before you
reach the security area.
> Remember that jackets & belts must
be removed.
> Laptops & mobiles to be presented separately.
FORBIDDEN ANYWHERE ON BOARD
SHARPS: NO BLADES OVER 6CM
100ML MAX: LIQUIDS, GELS & PASTES
BEFORE YOU FLY
Aberdeen International Airport has
teamed up with charity partner Friends
of ANCHOR to promote the work of this
vital local organisation in the community.
In recent months, the Airport team has
been speaking to a number of people
involved with the ANCHOR unit. They
include cancer survivors, people whose
family have used the ward, and the
staff whose work helps to progress
our understanding of cancers and their
possible treatment. As a result, a short
film has been created to tell their story.
The film explains exactly what the
ANCHOR unit does, and how its work
affects the lives of the many people
who pass through its doors each year.
It is hoped that the film will be a useful
tool for the charity in the coming years,
allowing them to raise awareness
among more people than ever. You can
watch the film by heading to the Airport
YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/user/ABZAirport, and you can read more about the charity
at: www.friendsofanchor.org
Meanwhile, a team from the Airport
recently pitched their golfing might
against other North-East businesses,
at the annual Friends of ANCHOR
Gala golf day. The event was held at
Peterculter Golf Club and was
followed by a gala dinner.
Airport golf team (l-r): Managing Director Carol Benzie; Security Officer Elaine Wallace; Airside Compliance
Manager William Wallace, and Airside Operations Manager Robert Paterson.
Bus services to and from Aberdeen
International Airport have stepped up a
gear, with changes to the popular Jet 727
service. The route will see an additional
four buses operating; the first bus will
now begin its schedule at 0330, and the
frequency of buses is increasing.
The changes are in response to demand
on the popular service from operator
Stagecoach, whose Managing Director
Steve Walker says: “We are committed
to providing our passengers with the
frequency and number of buses they
need and this is an important substantial
commitment to one route. We hope even
more people will use the Jet 727 bus
service, while enjoying a relaxing journey,
with comfortable seating, extra leg room
and great value tickets.”
You’ll find the bus timetables at the Airport
website: www.aberdeenairport.com - Transport and Directions tab.
Thomson and First Choice have just announced their
flying programme from Aberdeen for 2015. It means a
flight for every day of the week direct to a sun-spot and
the introduction of a flight to Faro, in Portugal.
“The strength of the programme from Aberdeen this year
is choice,” says Airport Managing Director Carol Benzie.
“There is a flight to a sun destination every day of the
week, giving our passengers more opportunities to travel
than ever before with Thomson and First Choice.
“Adding new destinations, such as Faro, to the portfolio
is one of the other key strengths, as it is in the top
three requested destinations our customers tell us they
would like to see served. This shows how seriously we
take leisure route development and is a step towards
returning us to our pre-recession position.
“We hope that the North-East public will embrace these
new services and make the most of the opportunities
from their local airport.”
Read more at www.aberdeenairport.com/news
AIRPORT NEWS
8
Work is moving ahead at pace to enable the start of the
full phase of terminal redevelopment at the Airport.
In late 2013, the funding was approved for a £15 million
redevelopment of the terminal, adding extra space,
new baggage facilities, a new security product, and an
expanded departure lounge.
Work has already been completed to add new check-in
capacity, and the new desks are now in operation, used
by British Airways passengers. A new vestibule is also
preparing to open, bringing a refreshed approach to the
Airport, while increasing the amount of space and light
within the building.
The second half of 2014 will see more exciting progress
towards the new-look Airport. First, work will begin to
refresh the retail and catering offering prior to Security.
Then the first major piece of the puzzle really gets under
way, with the demolition of the existing DHL building
- the operation has relocated - making way for the
building of the extension that will house a large
part of the new Arrivals and Executive Lounge areas.
A member of the Airport management
team since 2008, Carol has held her
current role since October 2013 and is
a key figure in the Aberdeen business
community. She is also a Board
member of Aberdeen and Grampian
Chamber of Commerce.
The AECC Board comprises 13
members, from industry, Aberdeen
City Council and also includes three
members of the venue’s senior
management team. Ed Gillespie,
Chairman of the AECC Board, said:
“We are delighted Carol has joined
the Board. This is a very exciting time
for the venue and having someone
with the Carol’s expertise will be
advantageous for the future vision of
the company.”
Brian Horsburgh, AECC Managing
Director, added: “It is with great
pleasure that we welcome Carol to the
Board and look forward to working
with her.”
Airport Managing Director Carol Benzie has been appointed to the Board of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).
9
MEET THE LOCALS
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MEET THE LOCALS
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MEET THE LOCALS
Around 50 decorated dolphins are making
a multicoloured splash in Aberdeen this
summer - and you are invited to spot
them! The Wild Dolphins Trail has been
officially launched as part of a vibrant
Wild in Art project that’s challenged local
artists to transform life-size white dolphins
into unique and engaging sculptures.
The resulting works of art - whose
kaleidoscopic designs include graffiti art,
mosaics and a knitted cover - are simply
stunning and great fun to spot at various
venues around the city. upBEAT asked
three of the artists involved what inspired
them to create their own special dolphins.
Mary Louise Butterworth, of The
Butterworth Gallery, the family-run gallery
in Aberdeenshire, has not only designed
an eye-catching dolphin - she is also the
Wild Dolphins art coordinator.
“It’s been a very exciting project to work
on,” she says. “Hundreds of dolphin
designs were submitted and it was a
hard choice for those who selected the 50
designs. Each dolphin has its own ‘back
story’, and every one of them is special.”
Mary’s own atmospheric design, ‘Seadog’
- sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired - reflects
her strong interest in Aberdeen’s marine-
based industries and features images of
all kinds of vessels, acrylic-painted in her
signature blend of light and dark.
“I wanted to contrast the elaborate
structures humans need to create in order
to go to sea, with the streamlining and
natural ‘seaworthiness’ of the dolphin,”
she says.
Mary’s father, Howard Butterworth,
says his famous poppy paintings seeded
the idea for his own delightful dolphin,
which has deeply personal associations
for the renowned artist, who was
a favourite of his former neighbour, the
late Queen Mother.
“In memory of my wife Hilary, who died
in 2012, I’ve painted the garden of our
former home, in Glen Muick,” he explains.
“The red poppies I planted there some
time ago inspired me to paint one poppy
painting a year, and my dolphin is this
year’s contribution to the collection. And,
of course, ‘Poppy’ also commemorates the
centenary of the First World War. My wife
was a strong supporter of military and
children’s charities, as am I.”
‘Poppy’ is sponsored by John Clark Motor
Group.
www.thebutterworthgallery.com
DOLPHIN-SPOTTING in the city
MEET THE LOCALS
The wildlife is painted against a backdrop of
the confluence of the Rivers Dee and Don,
leading the eye upriver to various inland
habitats.
“Working on the 3-D surface of the dolphin
was a completely new experience for me,
and I didn’t want it to stop.
It’s a wonderful, challenging medium,”
she says.
Mel’s dolphin is sponsored by Michies
the Chemist.
www.melshand.com
All proceeds from the project will go
to the ARCHIE Foundation at the Royal
Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, and Whale
and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), to help
protect local wild dolphins. As part of the
scheme, school pupils also designed their
own smaller versions of the dolphins,
and teachers used the Wild Dolphins
education pack to bring wildlife to life in
the classroom.
To find out more about the Wild Dolphin
Trail map and app, visit:
www.wilddolphins.org.uk
Inspired by NatureThe Year of Homecoming was the inspiration for Finzean wildlife artist Mel Shand’s dolphin, ‘Adeona’ (the Roman goddess of safe return), which beautifully depicts, in Indian ink, a range of migratory wild birds, fish and insects that return each summer to the North-East.
The Wild Dolphin sculptures are sponsored by local businesses and organisations, and at the end of the summer will be auctioned off for charity.
Did you know...that real, live dolphins can often be spotted as close to the city as Aberdeen Harbour?
12
LOCAL REVIEWS
The antique surroundings of Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s
Theatre (HMT) were treated to an evening of rock
excess, as the Rod Stewart musical Tonight’s The Night
rolled into town mid-May.
The high-energy West End show, inspired by Stewart’s
songs, is written by Ben Elton, and has toured sold-out
arenas throughout the UK.
The story begins with shy Stuart pining his days away
in Gasoline Alley, Detroit, too shy to declare his love
to Mary and plagued by not possessing the cool of
his idol Rod Stewart. Lamenting his shyness, Stuart
announces: “Man, I’d sell my soul to the devil to be as
cool as Rod Stewart.”
With a crack of thunder, a blonde, bejewelled female
Satan promptly appears and serenades Stuart with
‘Tonight’s The Night’, as a group of she-devils give him
a star makeover. Satan makes Stuart an offer he can’t
refuse - the heart and soul of Rod Stewart for the rest
of his days, in return for his own soul.
This sets the stage for a rock 'n’ roll romp that has the
crowd clapping along with hits such as ‘Maggie May’
and ‘Baby Jane’.
The show featured excellent vocal performances from
the full cast, including former Sugababe Jade Ewen.
The fact that the actors were clearly having fun and
sometimes failed to keep a straight face, just made the
audience enjoy the show more.
Paper sailor hats had been left on seats and the show
ended with a sea of waving arms and bobbing hats, as
the entire cast belted out a triumphant ‘Sailing’.
HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRERosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL
Tel: + (0)1224 641122
See HMT’s full summer programme at:
wwwaberdeenperformingarts.com
> BEN HENDRY, MSc Journalism
Student, Robert Gordon University
Looking for a great day or evening out in and around Aberdeen? Three local reviewers - a student starting out, a business professional and a community volunteer - sample more of the area’s excellent entertainment and eating-out opportunities.
In June 1976, chef Didier Dejean opened his restaurant on Aberdeen’s sea front,
bringing French cuisine to the dining experience of the people of the North-East.
Today, with the culinary ‘entente cordiale’ firmly established, his Silver Darling restaurant
continues to fuse the flavours of France,
the Mediterranean and, occasionally,
the Far East, with fresh, locally-sourced
produce from the sea and land.
From its elevated position in the
old custom house, the restaurant
provides wonderful panoramic views
over Aberdeen’s bay, harbour and
surrounding countryside, enhancing
the atmosphere as diners enjoy the excellent food and service of this little gem of an
establishment. And, with the sun shining down, the setting for my first meal at the
Silver Darling could not have been better.
My starter, panfried scallops in leek and onion, on a puff pastry, dry Serrano ham and
bisque, was a delicious introduction to my first meal at The Silver Darling. My colleague
Gordon’s dish of Provençal-style fish and shellfish soup was served with parmesan
toasted bread and rouille.
My main course, braised blade of beef and mashed herb potatoes with jus, was
beautifully cooked and presented, as was Gordon’s main of steam rock turbot
with mussels, langoustine, fresh homemade ink pasta, spring vegetables and marinière
sauce.
To finish off the meal, I indulged myself with a sticky toffee pudding with toffee syrup,
fried pineapple and ice cream, while Gordon enjoyed the dark chocolate pancake delice
with nougatine dust, suzette butter sauce and orange ice cream.
With service from our waiters Noel and Julian (chef Dejean’s son) to the same excellent
standard as the food, my dip into the Silver Darling’s menu was, indeed, a gold star
experience. It won’t be long before I’m back - and next time it
might just have to be the beer-battered deep fried haddock,
which looked spectacular and smelled wonderful, as it wafted its
way to a neighbouring table.
SILVER DARLINGPocra Quay, North Pier, Aberdeen AB11 5DQ
Tel: + 44 (0) 1224 576229
www.thesilverdarling.co.uk
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LOCAL REVIEWS
As you enter, you’re greeted by an array of old-fashioned motorbikes and the very
eccentric-looking Boom Lowrider Billy Connolly rode along Route 66, on one of his
TV tours.
Continuing through the Museum, you pass King George VI’s majestic Daimler and an
ornate 1915 Romani Wagon, with a small raised bed for the adults and a cupboard
underneath for the children!
An employee demonstrated the Mortier Dance Organ, which got all the visitors
jigging away.
The biggest hits with our two children, however, were the Penny Farthing, the exhibit
on the Great Train Robbery, the former US Army vehicle-turned-Aberdeenshire-snow-
plough, and the Star Wars memorabilia in the 1960s-90s pop culture section which
complements some of the transport icons of that era.
A really big plus point of the Museum is that many of the exhibits
can be climbed on - a guaranteed hit with the younger visitors.
A large Scorpion tank and some climbing and jumping in the
outdoor play area rounded off a great day out.
With its permanent and visiting exhibitions and associated
family events throughout the year, it’s easy to see why Grampian
Transport Museum was voted 'Best Visitor Attraction' at this
year’s Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.
GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8AE
Tel: + 44 (0)1975 562292
www.gtm.org.uk
> SALLY BOWMAN, Volunteer/
Fundraiser with Friends of Anchor
> PHYLLIS STUART, BA Customer Services
Manager Aberdeen & Glasgow
What a treasure Grampian Transport Museum at Alford is.
LONG HAUL AIRLINE FOCUS - AIR FRANCE
Thanks to the partnership between Air France and KLM along with the SkyTeam members, the two airlines offer one of the largest networks, giving you access to over 1000 destinations. Enjoy the world departing from Aberdeen and benefit from the convenience of flying from your local airport: a hassle-free and friendly experience, with seamless connections via Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam Schiphol.
KLM WORLD BUSINESS CLASS: ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME
KLM is gradually introducing a brand new World
Business Class cabin across its long haul fleet,
offering a brand new stylish interior and improved
comfort thanks to:
> Fully-flat seat that reclines to a bed position
> Added legroom and fewer seats in the cabin
> Maximum privacy with screen between seats
> In-seat power and more storage
> Personal entertainment system with 17” screens
> Sustainable design using recycled materials
Book now at www.klm.com
NEW AIR FRANCE BUSINESS CLASS: YOUR COCOON IN THE SKY
Air France recently unveiled its new Business Class
seat, available in long haul flights in the upcoming
months. It will bring a completely renewed travel
experience. Some of its key features include:
> A seat that converts to a horizontal bed, for
crossing time zones without fatigue
> Direct access to the aisle, thanks to a 1-2-1 seat
configuration
> A protected area through the seat’s enveloping
curves provides a true bubble of privacy in the sky
> An enhanced gastronomic offer with menus
created by top chefs
Discover more at www.airfrance.co.uk
14
Air France and KLM continue their quest
to offer the best network and the ultimate
comfort in the sky. You can now fly from
Aberdeen to Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio
de Janeiro and enjoy the best Brazil has to
offer. Whether you want to do business,
relax on a sandy beach, wander around
colourful streets, or discover its impressive
fashion and cultural life, Brazil has it all.
What’s more, Air France and KLM
passengers can travel to over 30 additional
destinations across the region on flights
operated by their Brazilian partner, GOL.
With low fares, countless travel options,
better cabins and the ease of flying from
your local airport, there’s no excuse for not
travelling with Air France and KLM.
Book now at www.airfrance.co.uk and
www.klm.com
Travel in style and comfort to Brazil
> IPENEMA BEACH, RIO DE JANEIRO
> CATHEDRAL OF BRASILIA, BRASILIA
27 - 29 JUNE - SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL, PORTSOY
“Don’t miss our 21st Festival, with
beautiful boats, fascinating crafts, non-
stop music, song and dance, and delicious
food and drink. Celebrate the opening of
The Boatshed - dedicated to the craft
of traditional Scottish boat-building.”
> www.stbfportsoy.com
28 JUNE - PIPING HOT FORRES
“Around 100 pipe bands competing in the
European Pipe Band Championships and
up to 20,000 people attending - it will be
the biggest single day event in Moray
in years!”
> www.pipinghotforres.com
2 AND 4 JULY - DRUM CASTLE - SCOTLAND’S GARDENS WALK
“Explore Drum’s famous Garden of
Historic Roses by day and at dusk, with
guided walks from our Head Gardener,
in aid of Scotland’s Gardens.”
And from 5th July - Storytelling in Drum
Castle Walled Garden
“Be transported to another world in
our Saturday afternoon summer
storytelling sessions in the magical
Walled Garden.”
> www.nts.org.uk/Property/Drum-Castle-Garden-and-Estate
10 - 13 JULY - STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL
“Now in its 26th year, Stonehaven
Folk Festival 2014 offers a fantastic
range of performers, with some very
exciting new bands and artists. There’s
also the ever-popular World Paper’n’Comb
Championship - and the Aqua Ceilidh
at the Art Deco outdoor swimming
pool, celebrating the pool’s 80th
anniversary.”
> www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
25 JULY - 2 AUGUST - ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL
“Our Festival selects the most talented
individuals and groups from all over the
world, giving them a platform to ‘shine’
at one of the world’s best celebrations of
youth arts. More than 1000 talented young
performers are now preparing to take part
in over 100 performances, across 50 venues
in Aberdeen and the North-East.”
> www.aiyf.org
3 - 4 AUGUST - TURRIFF SHOW
“It’s our 150th anniversary and a number of
special attractions will feature at Scotland’s
largest two-day agricultural extravaganza
- including a Homecoming hospitality
marquee for overseas visitors; a pre-show
ceilidh, and an action-packed show, with
first-class ringside entertainment.”
> www.turriffshow.org
16
HOMECOMING 2014
8 - 10 AUGUST - ROUTES TO YOUR NORTH-EAST ROOTS
“Celebrate your connection with Aberdeen City
and Shire against the stunning backdrop of
Haddo House. Enjoy hands-on demonstrations of
traditional skills and experience the music and
song of the North-East.
Trace your roots at our family history and
heritage fair, and sample fantastic locally-produced
food and drink at the farmers’ market, in Haddo
Country Park.”
> www.northeastscotlandroots.com
10 AUGUST - PITMEDDEN - SCOTLAND’S GARDENS OPEN EVENING
“Join Head Gardener Susan Burgess for an exclusive
evening walk in the tranquil setting of Pitmedden’s
historic walled garden.”
> www.nts.org.uk/Property/Pitmedden-Garden
24 AUGUST - THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS AROUND BRAEMAR
“Keep fit and have fun on Royal Deeside - listen
to ‘Truth or Fiction’ fascinating stories from the
past, on our six-mile hill walk above Inverey, with
a wonderful view of the Cairngorms.”
> www.nts.org.uk/Events/Mar-Lodge-Estate
28 - 31 AUGUST - FYVIE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL 2014
“This area is rich in music of various types, and there
will be plenty to sample at our three-day festival
of music and culture. Fyvie Castle will provide a
wonderful backdrop for our gala on the Sunday
afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming you
to the celebrations.”
> www.fyviehomecoming2014.com
6 SEPTEMBER - BRAEMAR GATHERING
“Held since 1832, Braemar Gathering attracts
royalty, competitors and spectators from all over
the world.
There’s an exciting mix of Highland Dancing,
traditional ‘heavy’ events, running, jumping, tug-of-
war and a hill race - accompanied throughout the
day by first-class piping performances.”
> www.braemargathering.org
17
HOMECOMING 2014
www.homecomingscotland.com
OUTDOOR PURSUITS
As well as inviting everyone to enjoy
an array of special activities and events,
the Year of Homecoming 2014 is also
encouraging visitors and local people to
get out there and experience the wonderful
abundance of natural beauty Scotland is
renowned for throughout the world.
For those who love hillwalking and
mountaineering, the North-East offers
an incredible amount of opportunities,
from gentle hikes through rolling hills, to
extreme rock-climbing adventures on the
craggiest of peaks!
A few miles west of the city, you’ll find
Elrick and Brimmond Hills, which are ideal
for family walks. Scoltie, at Banchory, on
Royal Deeside, is another family hillwalking
favourite. Around 20 miles north-west
of Aberdeen, Bennachie is an impressive
range with several tops, the highest of
which - Oxen Craig and Mither Tap - are
around 1700 feet, and provide panoramic
views of the coast and countryside.
The terrain consists of waymarked paths
in woods and exposed moorland, and it’s
a steep climb, with rocky steps to
the summit.
Munro-baggers - people committed to
climbing each one of Scotland’s 283
Munros (mountains over 3000 metres
high) - are in their element in this part of
the country. Twenty-four Munros alone
can be found in the spectacularly scenic
Cairngorm National Park, whose massive,
1748 square mile area takes in parts of
Royal Deeside. As the UK’s largest national
park, Cairngorm is home to Britain’s
highest mountain range, including four of
Scotland’s five highest mountains - Ben
Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an
Lochain Uaine, and Cairngorm (Ben Nevis,
in the Highlands, is the highest). You’ll also
find Britain’s largest native forests, along
with pristine rivers and lochs, moorland
and farmland, which provide a haven
for a diverse range of wildlife, including
some 25% of the UK’s most endangered
species of birds and mammals. The park is
a pure paradise for walkers, climbers and
ramblers, with 55 summits in total and
more than 65 miles of high-level walks
and cycle routes of varying length and
difficulty.
www.cairngorms.co.uk
Experience a bird’s-eye view of the North-east’s natural beauty
The Munros were originally listed by Sir Hugh Munro, in 1891. Sir Hugh Munro did not manage to reach all the summits on his list. This was achieved by Reverend A E Robertson, in 1901.
By May 2013, more than 5000 people had
completed all the Munros and recorded their
completion with the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
www.smc.org.uk/Munros
There are dozens of guided summertime
adventure opportunities available in the North-
east cliffs, hills and mountains, including: rock-
climbing, mountaineering, scrambling, wilderness
skills, orienteering, mountain biking, abseiling and
expeditions. You can also practise your skills on
differing levels of climbing walls at many of the
outdoor activity centres in the area.
Find out more at:
www.visitaberdeen.comwww.visitscotland.comwww.aberdeeshire.gov.uk
When you’re out walking or climbing
in the hills and mountains, always
remember to take appropriate clothing
and equipment, including a map and
compass, enough food and drink
for the day, and check the weather
forecast before you set out.
18
ADVERTISEMENTS
“This poem haunts me - I hear it when I am in the hills,” says
mountaineer, writer and broadcaster Robert Macfarlane, who
has written the foreword to the recently-republished edition of
In the Cairngorms*, by celebrated Aberdeen poet and novelist
Nan Shepherd (1893-1981). “Nan’s writing powerfully shaped
my own vision of the Cairngorms. Like her, I spent years
pursuing summits and what she calls ‘the tang of height’;
like Nan, I have come to take greater pleasure in wandering
and exploring the hills than in ticking off their tops. Mountains
possess a strange magic and I often come back from them
feeling I have been not just to another country, but to a new
world altogether.”
* GALILEO PUBLISHERS, CAMBRIDGE
19
Singing BurnO burnie with the glass-white shiver,Singing over stone,So quick, so clear, a hundred yearSinging one song alone,From crystal sources fed forever,From cold mountain springs,To o’erpersuade the haunted earIt new-creates the tune it sings.- Nan Shepherd
EXPLORE LEEDS
20
Tucked on board an Eastern Airways 29-seater
Jetstream 41, it’s a short, hassle-free hop from
Aberdeen to Leeds Bradford Airport - which takes
minutes to clear and lies only seven miles from the
city centre.
My cheery guide for the day is the airport’s Faye
Oakey - a Leeds lass and proud of it! “Leeds folk are
friendly, outgoing and forthright, and we always give
our visitors the warmest welcome,” she smiles. As the
weather isn’t quite as friendly today, we duck in out
of the rain for coffee and a chat in one of the dozens
of independent cafés dotted around the surprisingly
compact city centre.
“We enjoy socialising in Leeds - life revolves around
food and drink!” Faye continues. “It’s also a very
diverse place, and people of different ages and
nationalities tend to mix well. Many visitors are
pleasantly surprised that our city is so green - we’re
on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and we have lots
of parks and mature trees.”
We tour the centre, whose Victorian Quarter is home to some exquisitely-preserved shopping
arcades, featuring top-label designers. After lunch
in the relaxing townhouse interior of The White House, Faye has a surprise. I find myself sitting in the
glorious surroundings of the Victorian-tiled Grand Theatre and Opera House, watching a matinée
performance of West Side Story - a wonderful
way to relax and enjoy one of Leeds’ stateliest
cultural venues.
The heart of the city is dominated by Trinity Leeds - Western Europe’s biggest shopping
destination - which opened in March 2013.
The size of 13 football pitches, with an iconic
Fancy a UK break that combines shopping, sightseeing and culture with family fun, fine dining and lively nightlife? Look no further than Leeds! upBEAT editor Judy Mackie flies Eastern Airways to experience a city that’s crackling with energy.
EXPLORE LEEDS
21
glass-domed roof and cleverly designed
to link up several of the red-bricked
shopping streets, the bustling Trinity
offers an amazing variety of experiences,
including more than 120 high street
shops, space for arts, crafts and other
fun family events, Britain’s largest
Everyman Cinema, and more than
20 multi-national cafés, bars, and
restaurants offering everything from
authentic street food to fine cuisine.
In the evening, Faye and I meet up
on the sixth floor, in Angelica - a
chrome-and-glass cocktail bar with
wraparound terrace, packed with
young professionals, tourists and older
residents, all sampling the mysteries
of mixology. Upstairs, in the stylish
Crafthouse, we enjoy a fabulous
dinner, which concludes with a shared
dessert platter comprising every sweet
treat on the menu!
Back in the comfortable, contemporary-
styled Bewley’s Hotel, I plan my
itinerary for the next day.
A hearty hotel breakfast sets me up for
a visit to Leeds Art Gallery - described
as housing “probably the best collection
of 20th-century British art outside
London”, and the interactive Leeds City Museum, where I come face-to-face
with the famous Leeds Tiger (which
spent part of its ‘afterlife’ as a rug),
visit the ‘Ancient Worlds’, and watch
children dig for fossils in the ‘Life on
Earth’ gallery.
Inevitably, I return to Trinity for lunch at
the Cielo Blanco - a lively restaurant
specialising in superb Mexican street
food.
I just have time to take in the Leeds Corn Exchange - a magnificent domed
Victorian arcade housing independent
vintage, craft and food shops - before
hopping on the airport bus to begin my
short journey home to Aberdeen.
It’s my first visit to Leeds - but it most
certainly won’t be my last.
> THE VICTORIAN QUARTER
> LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
> ANGELICA TERRACE
> LEEDS ART GALLERY
> FIRST DIRECT ARENA
22
EXPLORE LEEDS
Former Aberdeen resident Louise Rodger has
recently moved back to Leeds, where she previously
spent several years. She says: “Leeds has continued to thrive, despite the recession, and Trinity has added even more variety to an already vibrant shopping centre. Harvey Nichols’ rooftop bar is ideal for a cocktail, especially on a sunny day. The Art Gallery is lovely and has a great café and gift shop; there’s a new museum in Millennium Square, and now we have the First Direct Arena, which attracts some great concerts. It’s a very clean and exciting city!” The Roxy Ball Room, Albion Street,
offers ping-pong, pool, craft beers,
cocktails and pizza.
Nearby Roxy Lanes - has four lanes
of bowling, a pizza kitchen, local ales
and cocktails.
Dance on the tables at MOJO, Merrion
Street - the award-winning rock n’ roll
dive bar!
Blind Tyger, Belgrave Street - a quirky
cocktail bar and drinking den, offers
homemade nectars, craft beers and
cocktails - including the weird and
wonderful Popcorn Mai Tai!
Independent venue Belgrave Music Hall features music, art, film and food
- as well as Leeds’ best roof terrace.
Around 15 clubs offer the full
spectrum of live and DJ music.
...and the city makes a fantastic base for trips to the nearby heritage towns of Harrogate,
York, and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
The world’s greatest cycle race - the Tour de
France - starts in Yorkshire, on 5 & 6 July, bringing
millions of fans to the roadside to cheer on the
champions. The Grand Départ cycle route starts at
Leeds city centre and finishes in Harrogate, on 5
July. Next day, the cycle route starts at York and
finishes in Sheffield.
www.letour.yorkshire.com
www.visitleeds.co.uk
www.easternairways.co.uk
Living in Leeds
Leeds’ many other visitor attractions include:
> ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM> LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM> TROPICAL WORLD
> KIRKSTALL ABBEY AND GARDENS> LEEDS TOWN HALL
Gearing up for The Grand Départ!
COMPETITION
23
Aberdeen, we bringyou our world.
virginatlantic.com
· Connect to over 15 worldwide destinations through London Heathrow.
· Fly in Premium Economy.
· Access to Servisair lounge at Aberdeen International Airport & London Heathrow’s Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.
· Priority security access.
> ENJOY YOUR PREMIUM VIRGIN ATLANTIC EXPERIENCE!
> RELAX IN THE VIRGIN ATLANTIC CLUBHOUSE
ADVERTISEMENTS
25
26
01. 03.
05.
04.
06. 07.
02.
TOKYO, JAPAN WITH SAS
Tokyo is a modern, neon-flashing metropolis and is sure to
impress you. A large part of the city is like an urban, hectic jungle,
but it is also what makes Tokyo a unique experience. From the
electronic noise of Akihabara to the Imperial gardens and temples in
Chiyoda, Japan’s capital city is a dream destination for any culture-
seeking traveller. Let the journey be part of the experience and fly to
Tokyo with SAS. Enjoy our superior onboard comfort and excellent
service, together with our world-class punctuality. When you travel
with SAS, you can choose from three service classes: SAS Go, SAS Plus
and SAS Business.
Fly SAS to Tokyo via Copenhagen.
www.flysas.co.uk
DUBAI, UAE WITH KLM
Looking for an oasis in the desert? Book KLM flights
to Dubai and discover phenomenal hotels, beach resorts, souks and
shops. No expense or effort has been spared in making Dubai the
world capital of luxury. The architecture is awe-inspiring. The Burj
Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, will bowl you over -
as will everything else you’ll find to see, do and buy in Dubai.
Fly KLM via Amsterdam Schiphol.
www.klm.co.uk
BEIJING, CHINA WITH LUFTHANSA
One of the most visited capitals in the world, Beijing is
a city for all seasons - a rapidly-changing, sleepless metropolis that
combines old and new. There are hundreds of tourist attractions to
explore, both within and beyond this exciting city - but be sure to
include the celebrated top 10 in your itinerary: the Forbidden City,
Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Temple
of Heaven, Ming Tombs, Hutong Tour, Lama Temple, Beihai Park
and Capital Museum.
Fly Lufthansa to Beijing via Frankfurt.
www.lufthansa.com
MIAMI, USA WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Ever-popular Miami offers multiple attractions for
everyone. Check out the cool South Beach nightlife; the stylish Art
Deco district; bustling Calle Ocho, and energetic Little Havana. Chill
out on legendary Miami Beach and explore the historic hideaways
of Coral Gables. There are fantastic shopping opportunities, both
in the sprawling malls and in the family-owned shops of Coconut
Grove - and be sure to take in Miami’s art festivals and sample the
fare at the outdoor food and wine extravaganzas.
Fly Virgin Atlantic to Miami via London Heathrow.
www.virgin-atlantic.com
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS
The busy port of Nassau, on New Providence Island, is renowned
for its tropical climate, natural beauty and colourful combination
of old world and colonial architecture. Take a stroll through
Old Town to see some traditional Caribbean dwellings; enjoy
the marching flamingo shows at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo &
Conservation Center. Explore Bahamian art at the National
Art Gallery of the Bahamas. And don’t miss the Pirate Museum’s
replicas of a pirate town, ship and battle, complete with real
artefacts!
Fly British Airways to Nassau via London Heathrow.
www.ba.com
CHICAGO, USA WITH AER LINGUS
Chicago greets you with a sweeping skyline,
featuring the Willis (Sears) Tower - the second-tallest building in
America - and offers unlimited opportunities for an unforgettable
holiday experience, with top attractions including the Hancock
Observatory, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and
the Magnificent Mile shoppers’ paradise. Explore miles of sandy
beaches along Lake Michigan, check out the dinosaurs at the Field
Museum and take a ride on the 15-storey Ferris wheel, at Navy Pier.
Fly Aer Lingus to Chicago via Dublin.
www.aerlingus.com
SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA WITH AIR FRANCE
Do you enjoy shopping, luxury and delicious food? Book Air France
flights to Singapore and be amazed by the countless attractions
the city has to offer. Discover the vibrant Chinatown, take a walk
through the beautiful gardens by the bay, and wander through the
streets of old Geylang. Children will have the time of their lives at
Universal Studios and Singapore Zoo. And in the evenings, you’ll
never be bored, as Singapore has an exciting and varied nightlife.
Fly Air France to Singapore via Paris Charles de Gaulle.
www.airfrance.co.uk
27
With seven global carriers at Aberdeen International Airport, there’s a world of choice to connect long-haul to any global destination, through London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, or Dublin.
© JONATHA BORZICCHI / THINKSTOCK
28
AFE LANDINGI was lost and close
to panic, but the cool,
measured tones of the
Air Traffic Controller
at the other end of
the line kept me from
losing my head. “You’re doing fine, just
follow my instructions and we’ll see you
safely on to the airfield.” Hanging on his
every word, I did as I was told and finally
landed at my destination - 20 minutes
late, completely stressed and more than
delighted to see the friendly faces and mug
of coffee awaiting me.
It wasn’t a learner pilot’s worst nightmare -
just my own undignified arrival by car for an
interview with the ever-patient John Millar,
General Manager of the Airport’s National
Air Traffic Services (NATS). Not being the
most competent of navigators, I’d taken a
wrong turning to the Security building and
ended up in the bus drop-off lane.
I feel quite privileged, though - how
many lost drivers can claim they’ve been
guided to their destination by the Head
of NATS Aberdeen?
PLANE TALKING
MULTI-TASKING MENSpeaking of my NATS visit, it was
fascinating to have this rare insight into
an airside operation most of us know
very little about (find out more on pages 46-47). Not surprisingly, 20 out of 3000
people who apply to NATS will validate
as an Air Traffic Controller. While national
educational initiatives are undoubtedly
improving the statistics, it’s still the case
that the majority of ATCOs are male.
As one of the role’s most important skills
is the ability to work with various pieces
of information simultaneously, I can’t help
wondering why it doesn’t attract many
more females. However, seeing the male
NATS Aberdeen team members at work
certainly knocked on the head the myth
about men being less able to multi-task!
MADE UP!While I’m still in confessional mode...my
natural scattiness recently cost me more
than I’d bargained for, when I realised
too late that I’d forgotten to pack a small,
but essential item in my handbag. Going
through Security at Aberdeen International
Airport, I tortured myself with visions of my
little cream makeup bag sitting, accusingly,
on my dressing-table at home. Thankfully,
a trip to Boots in the Departure area
allowed me to stock up on the requisite
eyeliner, mascara, lippie, etc, to see me
through my short trip. But the unnecessary
expense - I mean, who needs two sets of
eyelash curlers? - has since made me treat
that little cream makeup bag with a lot
more respect. ;-)
My choice is The Skin Collector, by Jeffery Deaver.
I am constantly travelling, both around the UK
and overseas, inevitably by plane, and almost
always alone. I love a really gripping thriller,
and will become totally engrossed in a chilling
story such as this, where ‘The Skin Collector’,
a tattooist with a chamber of torture hidden
deep underground, uses a lethal poison which
will render his targets dead before they
can even entertain the prospect of
escape. As the NYPD detectives
try to decipher a series of cryptic
messages left etched into the
skin of the deceased, I will
inevitably become obsessed
with working out the mind of
this killer, and who his next
victim will be.
ALI GAYWARD, UK Commercial Manager, easyJet
29
Three regular North-east travellers tell upBEAT which of WHSmith’s top 20 bestsellers they’ve selected to keep them engrossed on their next flight.
I’ve chosen Khaled Hosseini’s And the Mountains Echoed. I loved his previous novels, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both set in
Afghanistan. Hosseini engages the reader through
the wonderful characters who spring from the
pages with heartbreaking realism. He is a master
storyteller, writing with profound insight and
compassion about war-torn Afghanistan and the
lives of the people who don’t hit the headlines.
I’m looking forward to an engrossing
read - packed with beautifully-
drawn people - about families,
relationships and humanity. Perfect
for a long flight!
CHRISTINE REW, Art Gallery & Museums Manager, Aberdeen Art Gallery
I decided to read Get Things Done: What Stops Smart People Achieving More and How You Can Change, by Robert Kelsey. This book seems very
personal to the author and his own
journey is intertwined with the text,
in that he goes out of his way to
show that whatever failures and
faults we may have, he himself
either has, or has had them. The
book didn’t set out any drastic
new theories; however, Kelsey
did a good job of bringing a
number of other people’s theories into a more or
less coherent whole. There are interesting chapters
in the book, where Kelsey looks at the use of his
recommended approach in areas such as time
management, meetings, managing others, dealing
with information overload, and so on. I enjoyed
reading it - and it is always nice to remember that
even one’s self-sabotaging tactics can be replaced
by better productive thoughts!
ANTHONY ONUKWU, Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Aberdeen
ABZ
LCY
MAD
ANE
GRX
VCE
30
LONDON CITY
The recent introduction of a new
Rotterdam service and new route to
Florence, means passengers transferring
through the Docklands airport from
Aberdeen have more choice than
ever before.
British Airways’ services to Europe reflect
the true diversity of the continent.
From the unique ‘floating city’ of
Venice, to Spain’s capital, Madrid, and
the beautiful French city of Angers, on
the fringes of the Loire Valley, there is
something to attract everyone - and all at
highly-competitive prices with new, lower
fares now available.
British Airways operates from Aberdeen to London City Airport and onwards to 26 destinations across the UK, Europe and North America, making it easier than ever to fly further afield to Europe’s most exciting locations.
Venice is a remarkable city with an
unrivalled choice of things to see and
places to go.
Discover celebrated historic monuments,
art galleries offering priceless treasures
and a world-class opera house.
Sumptuous, handcrafted clothing and
jewellery are to be found in the city’s
abundant boutiques - at prices to match
the high quality. Food lovers are also
spoiled in Venice, where wonderfully fresh
seafood and mouth-watering traditional
dishes are waiting to be enjoyed with
fizzing Prosecco.
ENCHANTING EUROPEAN GEMS
VENICE
31
LONDON CITY
By the end of this year, with the addition of three new Embraer E190s,
British Airways will be operating 20 aircraft on its domestic and European network,
plus two A318 aircraft on the successful exclusive, all business class long haul
service to New York’s JFK airport from London City, offering customers more choice
than ever.
New lower fares from Aberdeen to Europe start from just £81 one way.
Customers can also earn Avios, if members of British Airways’ Executive Club,
which can be redeemed against future flights.
To book flights, hotels and car hire to one of these fantastic destinations,
take a look at www.ba.com/londoncity
This unique region on the southern tip
of Spain offers a breathtaking range of
activities. You can quite literally ski in
the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains
in the morning, be relaxing on one of the
sun-kissed beaches in the afternoon,
and sip cocktails in the city in the evening,
as you look out on to the world-famous,
awe-inspiring Alhambra palace.
MADRID ANGERS (LOIRE VALLEY) GRANADA
Experience the Madrileños way of life
and sample the cosmopolitan capital
of Spain.
Admire incredible works of art at the
world-renowned Prado Museum. Take
in iconic sights such as the Royal Palace
and Plaza de Cibeles. Indulge in luxury
shopping along Grand Via, or take a
stroll in Parque del Buen Retiro.
Madrid’s buzzing social scene really comes
alive at night - join locals for tapas, wine
and conversation, before taking in one of
the many late-night bars or nightclubs.
The medieval city of Angers, in the
North-West France Maine-et-Loire region,
is steeped in history and culture. Visitors
are lured to the Chateau d’Angers,
whose tapestry is regarded as one of the
most important works of medieval art in
Europe. There’s also the Museum of Fine
Art, the Jean Lurcat Museum and the David
d’Angers Gallery, plus the Regional Angers
Marce Air Museum.
The best way to see Angers is on foot. Take
a walk along the River Maine, which winds
its way through the city, or pause to relax in
one of the many parks.
Fly British Airways through London City
ADVERTISEMENT
BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP NOW AT - www.aberdeenairport.com/destinationsRoutes are correct at time of publication, but are subject to change. Please check with your airline for any alteration or updates, or visit the website: www.aberdeenairport.com before travelling.
AIRLINES & TOUR OPERATORS:
> AMSTERDAM with KLM
> BERGEN with Wideroe
> BODRUM with Thomas Cook
> BOURGAS with Balkan Holidays
> COPENHAGEN with SAS
> CORFU with Thomson & First Choice
> DALAMAN with Thomas Cook, Thomson
& First Choice
> DUBLIN with Aer Lingus
> ENFIDHA with Thomas Cook
> ESBJERG with bmi regional
> FARO with Thomson & First Choice
> FRANKFURT with Lufthansa
> FUERTEVENTURA with Thomas Cook
> IBIZA with Thomson & First Choice
> KRISTIANSUND with bmi regional
> MENORCA with Thomas Cook
> MALAGA with Barrhead Travel
> NAPLES with Newmarket Holidays
> OSLO with bmi regional & SAS
> PALMA with Barrhead Travel, Thomas Cook,
Thomson & First Choice
> PARIS with Air France
> REUS with Thomas Cook
> RIGA with airBaltic
> SICILY with Newmarket Holidays
> STAVANGER with Eastern Airways, SAS & Wideroe
> TENERIFE with Thomas Cook, Thomson
& First Choice
> VERONA with Newmarket Holidays
> BELFAST CITY with Flybe
> BIRMINGHAM with Flybe
> BRISTOL with bmi regional
> CARDIFF with Eastern Airways
> DURHAM TEES VALLEY with Eastern Airways
> EAST MIDLANDS with Eastern Airways
> HUMBERSIDE with Eastern Airways
> JERSEY with Flybe
> KIRKWALL with Loganair
> LEEDS BRADFORD with Eastern Airways
> LONDON CITY with British Airways
> LONDON GATWICK with easyJet
> LONDON HEATHROW with British Airways
& Virgin Atlantic
> LONDON LUTON with easyJet
> MANCHESTER with bmi regional & Flybe
> NEWCASTLE with Eastern Airways
> NORWICH with bmi regional & Eastern Airways
> SCATSTA with Eastern Airways
> SOUTHAMPTON with Eastern Airways
> STORNOWAY with Eastern Airways
> SUMBURGH with Loganair
> WICK with Eastern Airways
INTERNATIONAL:
DOMESTIC:
airBaltic airbaltic.com
Aer Lingus aerlingus.com
Air France airfrance.co.uk
Atlantic Airways atlantic.fo
Balkan Holidays balkanholidays.co.uk
Barrhead Travel barrheadtravel.co.uk
bmi regional bmiregional.com
British Airways ba.com
Co-operative Travel co-operativetravel.co.uk
Eastern Airways easternairways.com
easyJet easyjet.com
First Choice firstchoice.co.uk
Flybe flybe.com
KLM klm.com
Loganair logainair.co.uk
Lufthansa lufthansa.com
Newmarket Holidays newmarketholidays.co.uk
SAS flysas.com
Thomas Cook thomascook.com
Thomson thomson.co.uk
Virgin Atlantic virgin-atlantic.com
Wideroe wideroe.no/en
BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP NOW AT - www.aberdeenairport.com/destinationsRoutes are correct at time of publication, but are subject to change. Please check with your airline for any alteration or updates, or visit the website: www.aberdeenairport.com before travelling.
34
GLORIOUS GOLFLAND
35
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36
GLORIOUS GOLFLAND
Phil Mickelson (USA) will defend his title
against a field of top names, including
Sir Nick Faldo (England), Rory McIlroy
(Northern Ireland), Henrik Stenson and
Jonas Blixt (Sweden), Thomas Björn
(Denmark), Victor Dubuisson (France), Jeev
Milkha Singh (India), Edoardo Molinari
(Italy), José Maria Olazabál (Spain), Paul
McGinley (Ireland), Matt Jones (Australia),
and, of course, Aberdeen’s own Paul
Lawrie and Richie Ramsay.
Played a week before The Open
Championship, the Scottish Open is one of
the most keenly-contested championships
on the European Tour calendar. Ronnie
MacAskill, Secretary at Royal Aberdeen
says: “This is the first leading Tour event to
be staged on our historic links and we will
see some of the world’s greatest players
test their skills on what is considered by
many to be one of the finest stretches of
natural classic links land anywhere. It will
be a golfing bonanza and I am certain
everyone in the area will give their 100 per
cent support to this superb event.”
For details of the full field of players and to buy tickets for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, visit: www.aamscottishopen.co.uk. Ticket Hotline: + 44 (0) 800 023 2557.
www.royalaberdeengolf.com
Royal Aberdeen - the world’s sixth-oldest golf club - is all set to welcome a host of international star players to this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open (10-13 July).
37
GLORIOUS GOLFLAND
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I look after the day-to-day running of the course, plus long-
term planning and execution of the course and grounds
maintenance. I manage a staff of 10 Greenkeepers.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN GREENKEEPING CHALLENGES?It’s very important to retain firmness, to give that authentic
running links golf experience to our members and visitors from
across the globe. Plenty of aeration, sand top dressings, and the
frugal usage of water, all help to keep playing firm.
The weather is always a challenge, and so is managing traffic
and wear-and-tear. Our course was built in the 1890s for the
‘wealthy elite’, and was never designed for the volume of traffic
it now receives!
HOW CAN GOLFERS HELP YOU KEEP THE COURSE IN PREMIUM CONDITION?Golfers can play a very important part, by repairing pitch marks
properly, raking bunkers and replacing divots. It’s a question of
basic etiquette.
You can follow Alister’s ‘Greenkeeper’s Blog’ at: www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk
1. MAKE THE WIND YOUR FRIEND: don’t try to fight it, as it
will surely win every time! If the wind is blowing from the right, be
sure to aim well right of target and let the wind help your ball back
to your target - and vice versa, if the wind is blowing from the left.
2. WHEN FACED WITH A SHOT FROM THE FAIRWAY INTO A STRONG WIND: make sure you take lots more club than you
would normally need; make a ¾ swing from shoulder to shoulder,
swinging as smoothly as you can grip lightly, and watch the ball fly
through the air somewhat lower than your normal ball flight. Don’t
try to hit the ball hard, as this will only make it spin up into the air
and more often than not take it away from your intended target -
making your shot look really poor, as it flies away in the wind.
3. WHEN ON THE TEE WITH THE WIND BLOWING STRAIGHT DOWN THE FAIRWAY: try taking a three wood instead of a driver,
as the wind has a habit of knocking the ball down out of the air,
resulting in loss of distance. The added loft of the three wood helps
to keep the ball in the air longer, allowing the wind to help it travel
down the fairway.
Willie McKenzie helps golfers improve their game at Berryhill Driving range, Peterhead; Dunes Golf Centre, Fraserburgh, and Myrus Golf Centre, Macduff. He also plays on the European Seniors Challenge tour when he gets time!
www.WLMgolf.com
upBEAT asks Cruden Bay Golf Course Manager Alister Matheson about the challenges of maintaining a premium links course.
Raise your game...on a links courseAberdeenshire Master Teaching Professional, Willie McKenzie, shares three top tips on playing golf in the windy conditions of a coastal course.
ADVERTISEMENTS
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40
CAR HIRE
It’s true that you take for granted the delights on
your own doorstep, and while we love our native
North-East, we rarely have time to sample the
many enticements Aberdeenshire has to offer its
visitors. This whistle-stop day tour provides the ideal
opportunity to catch up with more than a few!
First stop, the Airport, where a friendly Avis car hire
assistant hands us keys to a smart black Vauxhall
Insignia, whose comfortable, roomy interior and
powerful enough performance ensure an enjoyable
road trip around the Shire.
We start our semi-circular tour by heading north
on the A90, passing the glorious golden-sanded
beaches and dunes of Balmedie Country Park, Trump
International Golf Club and Forvie Nature Reserve.
Taking the A975, we visit the clifftop village of
Collieston and, a little further north, Cruden Bay,
where another world-renowned golf course overlooks
the dramatic ruins of Slains Castle - believed to be the
inspiration for Dracula.
A couple of miles on, at the amazing Bullers of
Buchan, we encounter crashing seas and dizzying
cliffs haunted by the cries of cormorants, guillemots
and puffins, and softened by the pretty pinks of
wild flowers.
Passing Peterhead, with its famous red granite
houses and Maritime Heritage Centre, we turn inland
to Mintlaw - home of Aden Country Park and the
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum - before driving
due north to Fraserburgh, to the Scottish Lighthouse
Museum, Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, and Fraserburgh
Heritage Centre. Coffee in the museum’s top-floor
Stevenson Café brings breathtaking views of the sea
through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Turning south-west, we travel through beautiful
rolling farmland and the lovely old villages of New
Deer and Methlick, noting that nearby attractions
include a series of stone circles, Haddo House,
Tolquhoun Castle and Pitmedden Gardens and Farm
Museum. At Oldmeldrum, we visit Glen Garioch
Distillery - Scotland’s most easterly - which for
over 200 years has been handcrafting a range of
natural, non-chill-filtered single malt whiskies. The
distillery is one of eight featuring in Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire, a new guide available at local visitor
information centres.
Although shopping is not on our agenda, we
can’t resist stopping off at bustling Inverurie town
centre, where there’s a terrific selection of quality
upBEAT editor Judy Mackie and her husband Allan Montgomery enjoy a day’s drive around Aberdeenshire, reminding themselves of the fantastic variety of visitor attractions available only a short car journey away from Aberdeen International Airport.
41
CAR HIRE
independent shops, including Sinclair’s,
where you can buy gifts, china and
jewellery - and enjoy a delicious lunch at
their bistro.
Castle Fraser, just off the B993, is a
magnificent example of the 17 castles
to be found in Aberdeenshire, with its
preserved historic interior, walled garden
and woodland walks. You can download
the official Castle Trail at:
www.visitscotland.com
Further west, at Alford, there’s the
Grampian Transport Museum, Alford
Heritage Trail and Haughton Park -
miniature railway rides for all ages!
A short trip along the B9119 takes us
to Royal Deeside, and we arrive in the
picturesque town of Ballater - with its
mountainous backdrop - in time for a late
afternoon tea at the atmospheric Station
Restaurant, housed, alongside a small
museum, shops and other local businesses,
in the refurbished former station so often
visited by Queen Victoria and other royals.
Heading eastwards, the scenic North
Deeside Road takes us through Banchory, to
the Milton of Crathes art gallery, shop and
restaurant, where restoration of a section of
the old Deeside railway is under way. The
wonderful Crathes Castle is close by!
We then take the A957 south-eastwards,
through Durris Forest, to the charming
coastal town of Stonehaven, which - among
other attractions - boasts an Art Deco
outdoor swimming pool and one
of the prettiest harbours in the area,
whose red sandstone buildings and good
choice of pubs and restaurants make it
a favourite gathering-place among locals
and visitors alike.
After a tasty meal in Stonehaven’s Marine
Hotel, where seafood dishes are, not
surprisingly, a speciality, we drive back to
Aberdeen International Airport - tired, but
inspired by the fantastic array of visitor
attractions we’ve encountered during our
memorable day out in the Shire.
Choose from four global car hire specialists (Avis, Enterprise, Europcar National Alamo and Hertz) at Aberdeen International Airport. Book ahead at: www.aberdeenairport.com
You’ll find details of many more Aberdeenshire visitor attractions at: www.visitscotland.com and www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
> JUDY & THE INSIGNIA
> CRAIGIEVAR GARDENS
> CASTLE FRASER
> GLEN GARIOCH DISTILLERY
> ARCH AT THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN
> PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLAN MONTGOMERY
2ND AUGUSTAboyne Highland GamesAboyne, Aberdeenshire
2ND AUGUSTSport: jogScotland One Big Weekend 5K Run Aberdeen Beach Esplanade
14TH AUGUSTBallater Highland GamesBallater, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire
15TH AUGUSTComedy: Elaine C Smith: Still Standing...Just!His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
17TH AUGUSTDog festival: DAWGS DAYHazlehead Park, Aberdeen
21ST AUGUSTMusic: The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust ConcertHis Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
22ND - 24TH AUGUSTGranite City Country Music FestivalAberdeen
23RD AUGUSTLonach Highland Gathering & GamesBellabeg, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire
25TH - 28TH AUGUSTBusiness: Offshore Northern Seas ConferenceStavanger, Norway
26TH AUGUSTMusic: Richard ThompsonMusic Hall, Aberdeen
27TH AUGUSTLa Tomatina Festival Bunol, Spain
28TH AUGUSTBusiness: Oil & Gas UK Aberdeen Breakfast Briefing Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre
29TH - 31ST AUGUSTFyvie Homecoming FestivalFyvie, Aberdeenshire
30TH - 31ST AUGUSTCelebrate AberdeenAberdeen City Centre
2ND JULYMusical: Carnaby Street: The ConcertMusic Hall, Aberdeen
3RD - 7TH JULYSport: UEFA Europa Cup - First Round QualificationsAberdeen Football Club
5TH - 27TH JULYSport: Tour de FranceStage 1 - Leeds to Harrogate
6TH JULYSport: F1 British Grand PrixSilverstone
7TH - 12TH JULYIllusionist: Derren Brown: InfamousHis Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
10TH - 13TH JULYGolf: Scottish OpenRoyal Aberdeen Golf Club
9TH - 12TH JULYMusical: Singin’ in the RainGiz Giz youth theatre presentationArts Centre, Aberdeen
12TH JULYSport entertainment: An Evening with Sir Nick FaldoMusic Hall, Aberdeen
13TH JULYWorld Cup FinalRio de Janeiro, Brazil
15TH JULYMusic: The LevellersLemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen
20TH JULYStonehaven Highland GamesStonehaven, Aberdeenshire
25TH - 27TH JULYChildren’s entertainment: The Singing Kettle’s Fantastic Funfair
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
28TH JULYBusiness: The Future of Finance Lunch ‘n’ LearnAberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
31ST JULYAberdeen International Youth Festival Dance Gala His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
WHAT’S ON
42
> HOME> INTERNATIONAL
5TH - 27TH JULY - TOUR DE FRANCE
29TH - 31ST AUGUST - FYVIE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL
2ND AUGUST - JOGSCOTLAND ONE BIG WEEKEND 5K
1ST - 6TH SEPTEMBERFame - the MusicalHis Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
4TH - 7TH SEPTEMBERAberdeen Art FairMusic Hall, Aberdeen
4TH - 10TH SEPTEMBEROrkney International Science FestivalOrkney
9TH SEPTEMBERBusiness: London Breakfast Briefing – Financial Regulation of Energy MarketsLondon
12TH SEPTEMBERComedy: Jon Richardson - NidiotMusic Hall, Aberdeen
13TH SEPTEMBERTravel & comedy: Michael PalinMusic Hall, Aberdeen
16TH SEPTEMBERBusiness: Regional PILOT Share FareNorwich
16TH - 20TH SEPTEMBERMusical: Annie Get Your GunHis Majesty’s Theatre
18TH SEPTEMBERComedy: Danny BhoyMusic Hall, Aberdeen
20TH SEPTEMBER- 5TH OCTOBEROktoberfest Munich, Germany
21ST SEPTEMBERSport: MotoGP 2014Aragon, Spain
25TH SEPTEMBERNorthern Star Business Awards Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
26TH - 28TH SEPTEMBERScottish Home ShowAberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
27TH SEPTEMBERMagic: Morgan & West - A Grand AdventureLemon Tree Studio, Aberdeen
In addition to the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup,
there's a year-long programme of events and activities to
showcase all that's great about Scotland.
To find out what’s on in the North-East during the next few
months, see Summer Homecoming, p16-17.
In 2014 Scotland welcomes the world to join in our exciting Year of Homecoming.
WHAT’S ON
43
29TH - 31ST AUGUST - FYVIE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL
2ND AUGUST - JOGSCOTLAND ONE BIG WEEKEND 5K
9TH SEPTEMBER - LONDON BREAKFAST BRIEFING
27TH SEPTEMBER - MORGAN & WEST
20TH SEPT - 10TH OCT - OKTOBERFEST
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SUMMER SUN 2014
Escape to the Holiday Village Seaview Ibiza
this summer, with First Choice.
Formerly the Sirenis Seaview Country Club,
the Holiday Village has had a ‘Stars in Their
Eyes’-style makeover. There’s a waterpark,
hosting adrenalin-pumpers such as
a sky-high multi-lane slide. Meanwhile,
the Caribbean Pirates play area racks up
10 mini-slides. There’s a huge main pool,
too, that’s decorated with palms, a bar,
and a sea-view sun terrace.
More loungers stripe the sandy beach,
which is just a moment’s walk away.
The hotel’s clutch of restaurants includes
a buffet with a kid-friendly zone, plus three
à la carte restaurants. Rooms are modern
and come with flat screens, Wi-Fi, and
a bonus balcony or terrace.
To book today, browse
www.firstchoice.co.uk, or visit your
local Thomson travel shop.
Miles of golden sands, sunshine by the
bucketload, and a choice of resorts to
suit all ages and tastes - it has to be the
Costa del Sol! Find your perfect getaway
in this lovely corner of Spain, from
lively Torremolinos and celeb-friendly
Marbella, to quaint, mountainside Mijas.
Take your pick from a selection of
accommodation options, from self-catering
to all-inclusive, and explore all this attractive
region has to offer.
With Barrhead Travel’s direct flights
operating from Aberdeen International
Airport all summer, your Costa del Sol
escape starts right here. Fly on British
Airways aircraft to the sun!
Daytime, weekend flights, premium-style
seating with generous legroom, and
a 25 kg total baggage allowance... it’s the
perfect way to get your holiday off to
a flying start.
These exclusive flights allow you the
ultimate in holiday flexibility: book for the
flights alone, or enjoy seven or 14 nights in
a resort on the Spanish sunshine coast.
Call Barrhead Travel on 01224 578270 to
find out more.
www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
45
SUMMER SUN 2014
On the south-west coast of Majorca,
popular resort Palma Nova is famous for its
beautiful, white sandy beaches.
Palma Nova is brilliant for families, offering
a great selection of restaurants, shops,
bars and cafés. If you fancy a break from
the beach, you can take a boat trip to
Majorca’s capital, Palma, or visit ancient
sites - for Roman ruins, head to Alcudia,
in the north-east. After a leisurely morning
shopping for bargains in the old town,
families can make a splash and cool off in
the waterpark.
If you’re looking to get away from it all, the
east coast is dotted with small cove resorts,
such as Calas de Mallorca, with a beautiful
beach and headland promenade offering
spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
To book, visit your local travel agent or
www.thomascook.com
For Summer 2014 and 2015, Balkan
Holidays - the UK’s leading specialist
operator to Non-Euro Bulgaria -
continues to offer the rich and varied
resorts of Sunny Beach, Elenite, Nessebar,
Pomorie, Sozopol and Duni, direct
from Aberdeen.
Sunny Beach is ideal for young people
and families looking to experience the
wonderful beach, water parks, lively bars
and clubs.
Nessebar and Sozopol provide history and
charm, and are perfect for couples and
culture vultures.
Elenite and Duni are purpose-built resorts
ideal for families - and Pomorie is great for
those looking to unwind and rejuvenate,
while enjoying a beautiful seaside resort.
Book today for just £70 per person deposit
at: www.balkanholidays.co.uk, or visit
your local Travel Agent.
Newmarket Holidays has spent over
30 years taking happy customers on
holiday - and now they’re offering you
an exciting opportunity to fly direct
from Aberdeen to a number of Italian
destinations, including Sicily.
Join us on one of the Mediterranean’s
most fascinating and beautiful islands for
the chance to holiday in charming hotels
and enjoy warm waters, fine dining,
Sicilian hospitality and - on optional
excursions - explore beguiling sights, such
as the stunning hilltop town of Taormina,
the ancient treasures of Agrigento and
snow-capped Etna.
PRICE INCLUDES:> Direct daytime flights from Aberdeen
International Airport to Sicily, on 4 October
2014, returning 7 days later
> Return airport-to-hotel transfers
> Seven nights’ half-board or bed and
breakfast accommodation in the hotel of
your choice (single rooms are available for
a supplement)
> The services of a Newmarket Tour
Manager
www.newmarketholidays.co.uk
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE AIRPORT?I’ve been in this role for one year, and
started here at the Unit 16 years ago, as an
Air Traffic Controller.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NATS UNIT?The tower part that everyone sees is the
Visual Control Room (VCR). My colleagues
there are responsible for all movements
that can be seen out on the airfield. One
Controller is responsible for all non-runway
activity, such as taxi-ing and pushbacks.
The Tower Controller is responsible for
the runway and the airspace immediately
surrounding the airfield, out to visual range.
Their job is to coordinate the air traffic
coming down the ILS (ie approaching using
the Instrument Landing System) with the
traffic making visual approaches, and to
make sure everyone makes their slot times.
Downstairs, we have the Operations Room,
where our radar operations are carried out.
Our Airport Radar Controllers operate out to
55 miles from the airfield, in coordination
with our Prestwick Control Centre, which
looks after the higher-altitude traffic. The
Airport Radar Controllers separate the
inbound traffic from the outbound traffic,
while other Controllers have designated
roles looking after all the offshore oil and
gas air traffic movements, from Norwich,
in East Anglia, up to the boundary with
Iceland. Both the Airport and Offshore
activity is supported by a large and
specialised engineering operation, also
based in the Unit and we also have Air
Traffic Services Assistants who have duties
around weather observations, flight
planning and flight data management.
WHAT KIND OF TEMPERAMENT DO YOU NEED TO HAVE TO BE AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER? We’re asked this question a lot! The skills
set is very difficult to define. You need to be
fairly quick-witted, calm, able to deal with
BEHIND THE SCENES
46
Our series on the normally unseen work of support staff at Aberdeen International Airport continues with a chat with John Millar, General Manager of NATS, the air traffic control provider.
things as and when they happen, and to
respond positively to change. You also have
to have a very good memory, as there are
a lot of rules and instructions to remember.
Another important skill is the ability to
work as part of a close-knit team, but also
have the resilience to work on your own
initiative when necessary. The academic
requirements for the role are not unusually
high - the focus is more on whether people
have the required aptitude and skills, and
this only becomes evident during training.
WHAT DOES THE TRAINING INVOLVE?Our training centre is in Hampshire, on the
south coast of England. The first level of
training depends on what the trainee will
be specialising in, and can range from six
months to a year, initially. Throughout that
period, exams are held every few weeks,
to ensure that the candidates possess the
aptitude and skills required for the role.
After that, the trainees are posted to a UK
unit, ie an airport or control centre where
they spend up to a year training under a
fully qualified Controller with live air traffic.
They then sit their final exams and are
validated by an independent assessor from
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
WE’RE ALL HUMAN AND MAKE MISTAKES; HOW DOES NATS MITIGATE AGAINST THAT?Our operations are supported by a very
robust Safety Management System. We
have detailed procedures and instructions
to follow, and our regulator, the CAA,
ensures that by law we adhere to strict
working practices, governing, for example,
how many hours we work, and our shift
and leave patterns.
WHAT MAKES ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UNIQUE COMPARED WITH OTHER UK AIRPORTS? The high volume of offshore helicopter
activity is unique. To support this, we have
a cross-runway operation, which enables
us to use the three helicopter runways
in tandem with our main, predominantly
fixed-wing, runway. Most other airports
have only a single, fixed-wing runway
(although Heathrow and Manchester have
two, parallel, runways). The cross-runway
operation enables us, on a good weather
day, to increase the volume of traffic per
hour from around 36 movements - on the
main runway - to more than 40 movements
overall. This makes us, consistently, the
fifth-busiest airport in the UK Monday to
Friday - and on certain days during last
winter, we were the third-busiest, after
Heathrow and Gatwick.
Our three helicopter terminals, as well
as our Main Terminal, are very busy, and
looking to expand in line with the current
increase in offshore activity. Added to that,
the Airport team have been very successful
in attracting a lot of new routes. All in all,
it’s an active, vibrant airfield, with a very
positive future!
47
48
LOCAL VIEW
Congratulations on a fantastic season! Aberdeen is now back in European competition and, of course, you’ve won silverware for the first time in 19 years. What’s been the secret of the club’s success?
There’s no single most important thing; it
was a collective effort. As a club, we had
to raise our game in all areas and earn
the right to be back at the top end of the
league. Past achievements, having a good
stadium and operating in a big city don’t
guarantee anything. The only thing that
guarantees success is hard work.
There’s also been a confidence and a belief
in the team right from the start - both
from the Club’s perspective and, most
importantly, from the support.
The players’ commitment has been
excellent, too. For too many years
Aberdeen has been outside looking in,
in terms of being in the fight for the
competitions. Now, we feel we have a
squad and a way of working that will give
us every chance to be in the fight every
year. The new players we’ve brought in
have helped us achieve a good mix of
personalities and a collective resolve. We
had a lot of ‘late winners’ in the matches
this season and that’s down to the belief
and the determination of the team.
We’re aware we’ve started something and
now we need to build the momentum and
continue to raise our game.
Testament to a superb season, you picked up both the PFA Scottish Manager of the Year and Scottish Football Writers’ Manager of the Year awards. How do you rank these among your career achievements?
It’s nice to be recognised, but as with
any award, I believe it’s down to a
collective effort and it’s an indication
of how hard the team and all the staff
have worked.
Aberdeen city centre ‘turned red’ on 23rd March, as around 80,000 fans flocked to celebrate the team’s League Cup triumph. How proud a moment was it to win the competition and to see such a strong support following you?
Winning the trophy was something we
aspired to and visualised from the outset.
We set out to win both tournaments.
Ultimately, we lost the semi-final of the
Scottish Cup, but we won the League
Cup without losing a goal and with a
real bit of style into the bargain. We were
desperate to bring that trophy back -
and so were the 42,000 fans who turned
up to support us. Winning the Cup
and the celebrations in Union Street were
brilliant experiences.
upBEAT catches up with Derek McInnes following his highly-successful first season as Aberdeen Football Club manager.
49
LOCAL VIEW
50
What’s your impression of the North-East?
Everyone has made me feel very welcome. Family
members who have lived here have always spoken
highly of the area, but before I arrived earlier this
year my own experience was limited to visiting as
a player and a manager.
There hasn’t been much time to explore, but we’ve
had some family days out at the beach, and enjoy
eating out - there are many good restaurants. I like
to relax by playing golf - we’re blessed with plenty
of great courses here. Aberdeen has a lot going
for it; it’s a prosperous and lively city. As in any
community, the football club doing well generates
a positive energy and pride, so we need to make
sure we keep that going in the right direction!
How do the forthcoming Europa League qualifiers affect your pre-season planning, and what are your expectations?
We want to do as well as we can in Europe. A lot
of clubs use European competitions as part of their
pre-season preparation, but I don’t think anybody
sees it that way at Aberdeen. We want to make an
impact. Traditionally, the club had a good name in
Europe and I’d like to re-establish ourselves as a
decent team there. The pre-season qualifiers mean
coming back two weeks sooner than usual - but
we’ll be prepared.
How important is it that the ‘Red Army’ follows the team into the European qualifiers this summer?
Strong travelling support is always important in
Europe, and traditionally our support has always
enjoyed European campaigns. Sometimes, negative
results in the early rounds can hang over into your
domestic campaigns and so we want to make sure
that doesn’t happen. This means getting the players
in good nick, and recruiting and signing players,
so that we give ourselves the best possible chance
to meet the demands of both European and
domestic football.
The last former Rangers player to win silverware with Aberdeen as a manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) went on to achieve domestic and European successes for many years - tell us you’re here to stay!
I’m really happy here and I’ve signed a new contract
in good faith. A lot of my players are on long-term
contracts over the next few years, and we have
new players in the squad. In football generally, I
think there’s too much chopping and changing if
the results don’t go well - and if they do go well,
managers are sometimes too quick to jump. I feel
really settled and at home here. There’s lots of work
to do and I, my staff and all the players feel there’s
a lot to achieve before we think about moving on.
ADVERTISEMENTS
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52
DESTINATION FOCUS
Bordered by water on one side and woodland on the other, Oslo is a cosmopolitan city that’s at home with its heritage, cool with its contemporary culture - and an ideal leisure destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor life.
Exploring Norway’s compact capital is easy, whether it’s on foot, or by bike, bus, tram or car. With a wealth of world-class museums and galleries, dozens of family-friendly visitor attractions, and a sparkling nightlife, Oslo offers a vibrant array of memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Brave enough to come face-to-face with Edvard Munch’s The Scream? You’ll find it in the National Gallery. Happier faces can be seen in the Museum of Children’s Art, which showcases art from 180 countries. The Norwegian Folk Museum is one of Europe’s largest open-air museums, with 155 traditional houses from all parts
of Norway; or there’s the Norwegian Maritime Museum, with exhibitions on shipbuilding, fishing and marine archaeology and art.
If beautiful green space is more your style, relax and be inspired in the city’s Botanical Garden, part of the extensive Natural History Museum. The kids will love Oslo Reptile Park, with its collection of boa constrictors, chameleons and many other cold-blooded creatures - and don’t forget to take them to Frognerbadet Open-Air Public Bath, which has two 50-metre pools, a children’s pool, water slides and a diving tower. Next door, you’ll find Vigeland Sculpture Park - one of Norway’s most visited attractions - and, only 30 minutes from the city centre, there’s Oslo Summer Park, one of Scandinavia’s largest climbing parks, with nine trails for differing levels of ability.
Shop, eat and enjoy entertainment along the seafront boardwalk, at the popular Aker Brygge Wharf. At Bærums Verk, in the olde-worlde 17th-century Bærumske Ironworks, you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, and art galleries and workshops.
Island-hopping in the Oslo Fjord is another popular summertime pursuit, with regular ferry trips and cruises available. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting in July, the Oslo Maritime Festival (17-20 July) will enchant you, as hundreds of historic ships and traditional boats from around Europe make their annual pilgrimage to Norway’s coastal capital.
www.visitoslo.com www.bmiregional.com www.flysas.com
With the new regular flights from Aberdeen to Oslo via bmi regional and SAS airlines, increasing amounts of non-business travellers are now discovering a delightful Nordic leisure destination.
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54
BUSINESS
Travel is the businessBusiness travel to and from Europe’s energy capital is a major feature of Aberdeen International Airport’s daily operations. upBEAT asks the locally-based leaders of a global oil and gas service company and its long-standing travel management company for their perspective on the changing face of corporate travel.
HOW IMPORTANT IS BUSINESS TRAVEL TO YOUR COMPANY’S OPERATIONS?Wood Group operates in around
50 countries. While our focus is primarily
in employing local staff wherever we can,
we still have a need for our people to
travel regularly. Nothing beats face-to-
face interaction with our customers and
colleagues. Every week, we have hundreds
of people travelling from Aberdeen to
Australia, Russia, Eastern Europe, the
Middle East, Africa, North America and
South America. And, because Wood Group
is headquartered here, we also have lots
of people visiting Aberdeen from around
the world.
HOW DOES WOOD GROUP MANAGE ITS BUSINESS TRAVEL?We rely on the support of experienced
professionals wherever we operate, and
from Aberdeen, we’ve been using Munro’s
Travel for more than 30 years. We have
a very good relationship; they know what
we need, and they help us ensure our
business travel is efficient, cost-effective -
and above all, safe.
HOW HAVE YOUR TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?The development of ever-more
sophisticated video conferencing and
internet technology has meant that,
where appropriate, we can have people
participating in meetings and training
sessions remotely, from different global
locations. However, as I’ve said, face-
to-face visits are still very important and
of course many employees fly to their
workplace. Nowadays we travel more and
we use technology more - one doesn’t
preclude the other.
WHAT KIND OF TRAVELLER ARE YOU?I like to travel with minimum fuss. I travel
light, often with just a small cabin bag
(hotel laundry services come in very
handy). If I’m flying during the night, I
listen to music and sleep. Thankfully I’m the
kind of person who can fall asleep almost
anywhere!
THE CLIENT: BOB KEILLER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WOOD GROUP
HOW LONG HAS MUNRO’S BEEN IN BUSINESS AND WHEN DID YOU START PROVIDING BUSINESS TRAVEL? The company was founded in 1903
by Mr Munro - the same year as the
Wright Brothers’ first flight! From humble
beginnings selling rail and bus tickets, the
company grew significantly in the early
years, relocating families from the North-
East of Scotland into the New World and
also servicing the package holiday boom
that began in the 1960s. We launched
our business travel division in 1973, with
the advent of the North Sea oil and gas
industry. Wood Group was one of our
earliest customers and they’re still a very
important part of our business today. Their
growth is an incredible success story, and
we’re delighted to have played our part
in helping them to meet their travel needs
over the many years.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN FOCUS TODAY?The continued growth of business travel
on a global basis. Our business travel
experts manage large volumes of offshore
personnel travelling to/from offshore
installations globally, in addition to the
regular transient travel for meetings,
project work, etc. International travel is
a huge growth area for our business.
The North-East of Scotland has become
a centre of excellence for the energy
industry and exports its talents globally.
HOW DOES MUNRO’S SUPPORT ITS CLIENTS?We ensure that our clients receive a high-
quality service while delivering a cost-
effective solution. Our clients have access
to beneficial rates for core services such as
air, hotels and car-hire from suppliers on
a worldwide basis. Our preferred supplier
agreements include negotiated marine
and offshore workers’ airfares, which offer
significant cost savings and added value.
Corporate responsibility for our clients’
travellers is essential; safe travel is of
prime importance.
WHAT DOES TODAY’S BUSINESS TRAVELLER LOOK FOR?The business traveller expects a quick and
efficient booking process tailored to their
specific preferences. Having a detailed
traveller profile and a well-defined travel
policy is essential to the delivery of a cost-
effective and seamless travel experience.
Internet technology enablers are also very
important. Travellers want to receive their
tickets electronically and to view itineraries
on their smart phones and tablets.
HOW DO YOU SEE BUSINESS TRAVEL DEVELOPING AT MUNRO’S?While we will continue to invest
significantly in the development of our
people, our focus is very much on the
continued development of our technology
and tools, including the online booking
tool and mobile solutions, specifically for
the energy sector.
55
BUSINESS
THE CLIENT: BOB KEILLER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WOOD GROUP
THE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY: MURRAY BURNETT, MANAGING PARTNER, MUNRO’S TRAVEL GROUP
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56
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57
THE BEAT GOES ON
58
Win a £100 voucher to spend at World Duty Free, at Aberdeen International Airport!
See how far and wide you can take your copy of upBEAT - go on, be creative! Send your photo to: [email protected] See the winning picture in the Autumn 2014 upBEAT - it could be yours!
> PAUL COLLIER IN TORONTO > DEE PRATIWI IN SOUTHAMPTON > DEREK MCINNES
28th - 31st August 2014Four days of Music, Culture & Family History
For information & tickets see:www.fyviehomecoming2014.com
THE BEAT GOES ON
59
60
SOCIETY
> LEAGUE CUP IN THE TERMINALAfter a victory in the Scottish League Cup,
Aberdeen Football Club kindly offered the
opportunity to our passengers and staff
to enjoy a couple of moments with the
club’s silverware!
01. Barbara Stephen (Aberdeen
International Airport)
02. Chantelle Fitzpatrick, Lisa Dorman
(both Menzies)
03. Staff members from across the Airport
campus around the cup
04. David Smith (AFC), Leanne O’Brien (Virgin),
Michael Gu (Virgin), Rhiannon Hayley (Virgin),
Scott Duncan (AFC)
01.
03.
04.
02.
01. 02.
^ THOMSON & FIRST CHOICE (TUI) RETAIL DAYAberdeen International Airport welcomed top-performing sales representatives from TUI’s retail stores to spend a day shopping and enjoying lunch at Jamie’s Italian to
celebrate their success.
01. Tom Syme (Airport Commercial Director), Ian Moore (Aviation Manager, TUI), Laura McMeeking (Regional Sales Manager, TUI), Laura Finlayson (Manager Arbroath, TUI),
Julia Zaczek (Manager Livingston South, TUI), Carol Benzie (Airport MD), Jason Stewart (Airport E-Commerce Manager), Lynn Harwood (Airport Route Development Manager),
Nicola Milne (Assistant Manager Peterhead, TUI), Peter Butcher (Manager Bridge of Dee, TUI), Anne Anderson (Manager Portlethen, TUI), Kayleigh Stobie (Deputy Manager
Aberdeen City Centre, TUI), Lisa Mackenzie (Assistant Manager Elgin, TUI) 02. The Airport hosts and TUI guests enjoy a relaxing apéritif at Jamie's Italian.
61
SOCIETY
AIRBALTIC RIGA LAUNCHCarol Benzie along with airBaltic crew prior to the inaugural flight celebrating a new connection between Aberdeen and Riga, the Latvian capital.
01. 02.
04. 05.
06. 07.
03.
^ SAS OSLO TRADE LAUNCHSAS held their trade launch in Aberdeen’s Soul Bar prior to the start of the Aberdeen to Oslo route. This was attended by the Aberdeen local travel trade who enjoyed an evening
of competitions and learning about this new service.
02. 03.
01. Jane Montgomery (SAS) 02. Enjoying some quality reading! 03. Jason Stewart (Airport E-Commerce Manager), Rachael Ogg (Munro's Travel Group- MTG) - first prize
winner (two tickets to Oslo), Jane Montgomery 04. Jason Stewart, Carol Benzie (Airport MD), Scott Hendrick (QA Travel), Jane Montgomery, Kevin Thom (QA Travel)
05. Tracey Stewart (ATPI), Alanna Fowler (ATPI), Jane Montgomery, Ashleigh Peel (ATPI), Gemma Lobban (ATPI), Melanie Quilter (ATPI), Kirsten Murray (ATPI) 06. Kevin Thom,
Andy Yeomans and Scott Hendrick (All QA) 07. Kristina Boyack (MTG), Nicola Aldus (MTG), Jason Stewart, Rachael Ogg (MTG), Becky Shek (MTG), Laice Brown (MTG),
Jane Montgomery, Jessica Preciado (MTG), Caroline Angus (MTG), Owen Thomas (MTG)
01.
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